Albany Creek Archives - Page 6 of 8

Suburbs Near Albany Creek Where Buying A Home Is Better Than Renting

In Brisbane, there are suburbs where it would be more cost-effective to buy a home rather than rent. If you’re looking for places near or around Albany Creek where the median house price (currently at $645,000) is slightly higher than Queensland’s current median house price, you’ll be glad to know that five suburbs located north and east of the suburb are on the list.

The latest data provided by PRD Research shows Lawnton is the most affordable suburb near Albany Creek, with a median price of $250,000. Located around eight kilometres north of the suburb, Lawnton is great for public transport, childcare, schools, park and recreation.

Suburb near Albany Creek	Median Price	20% deposit	Monthly repayment	Weekly repayment	Median weekly rent 2020	Mortgage vs rent difference
Bald Hills	$485,000	$97,000	$1,690	$423	$420	0.6%
Bracken Ridge	$329,000	$65,800	$1,132	$283	$380	-25.5%
Brendale	$275,000	$55,000	$946	$237	$350	-32.4%
Lawnton	$250,000	$50,000	$860	$215	$300	-28.3%
Strathpine	$465,000	$93,000	$1,614	$404	$400	0.9%

Whilst Bald Hills came with a $485,000 median price, slightly more expensive than the other suburbs on the list, it’s still less than the current median value for houses which is at $593,232 as of 2021.

Strathpine, which is a 14-minute drive from Albany Creek, is a great option for public transport and eating out, and for people who prefer suburbs with many shopping options and proximity to medical facilities.

Five minutes from Strathpine will lead you to Brendale, which is by far the most affordable suburb near Albany Creek. Brendale may be the perfect option for families with kids because of the many childcare services, clean and green areas, and low-cost living.

For many, renting a house is way more convenient than buying one. Renting a home is the best choice for people who aren’t prepared yet for the large financial responsibility of owning one.

But that doesn’t mean renting does not come with disadvantages. The Bank of Queensland says that due to the regular changes in the property market, property managers and landlords are within their rights to change the rent amount once a lease ends.

“In some cases, this might force renters to move out and find a cheaper place, which can be a highly stressful time, especially if you weren’t ready to go yet. Additionally, rent never stops – home owners can pay off a mortgage, but renting means you will need to make those rental payments forever,” BOQ added.

Renting or buying a unit or an apartment in Brisbane is a different story. The latest data reveals the median value for units is at $396,183. The lower rate does not come as a surprise, since the Brisbane Unit market has been experiencing oversupply since the construction of units boomed in 2016.

Oversupply of units in the city, particularly in the CBD, can affect capital growth that there have been moderate declines in prices of units over recent years. Because of this, there are lenders who decline applications for loaning money for unit purchases in some areas of Brisbane. Other lenders require higher deposits.

Despite the oversupply, buying a unit in Brisbane can still be a good choice if the fund is limited. They are mostly located near major employment centres and other amenities, not to mention that they often achieve higher rental returns compared to houses and townhouses.

Albany Creek Woman With Dementia Struggles to Find Vaccination

An elderly woman resident of Aveo Freedom Care Albany Creek, who is suffering from severe dementia, was forced to arrange her own COVID-19 vaccination, much to the dismay of her family.

The woman, who will remain anonymous, lives in her own apartment but requires a lot of support from the care community watching over her. Her dementia has progressed to the point where she cannot even recognise her own family.

However, Aveo’s call for its residents to get vaccinated despite their own lack of a supply means she and many other elderly people will have to venture outside to receive their vaccinations. This will cause great fear in residents with dementia as they will be taken out of comfortable and familiar spaces.

Though four of Aveo’s Commonwealth-funded facilities fall under Phase 1A of the CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout recommendations, their Freedom Care Communities such as the one in Albany Creek fall under Phase 1B which means they are not currently eligible to receive vaccines.

It will allegedly take the anonymous woman six weeks to go through the necessary steps required to arrange a clinic appointment for vaccination, according to her family. Her regular clinic does not administer vaccines. Given the current state of the woman’s dementia, it would be difficult to change her environment and she would be unable to do so alone.

The Sistahood: New Eco-Friendly Online Store in Bald Hills

The Sistahood, an Australian-based online store founded by two Bald Hills women, delivers a variety of eco-friendly products to customers all across the country. The store was created to support local businesses and inspire other people to use eco-friendly and sustainable products.

Nella and Shelley founded the all-women company in October 2020, after a series of sisterly chats.

Among the company’s core beliefs is self-care and good health for the body, mind, and soul. As The Sistahood grows, the Bald Hills duo also supports various initiatives and organisations, such as a foundation that supports Women’s Health.

Nella and Shelley, founders of The Sistahood
Photo credit: The Sistahood

One of the products available at their online store is tea from the local brand Life of Cha. The tea comes in six different variants: the herbal Heal, Crystal and Zzz teas, and the caffeinated Balance, Spiced and Le Grey teas. Each tea variant provides various health benefits, is calorie-free, and full of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Another popular product is Seagull Milk, a locally-produced and family-owned sunscreen created for users with particularly sensitive skin types such as those with eczema or psoriasis. The sunscreen itself is a scented, non-slip, non-greasy Mineral formulation suitable for people of all ages. Part of the proceeds for each tube of Seagull Milk is donated to Take3, an advocacy group against ocean plastic pollution.

The Sistahood is currently having a special sale of their travel mugs. Customers can buy two mugs and receive the third at 50% off at checkout. Among their mugs is the ChaBottle from Life of Cha, a portable tea bottle with a built-in, 2-in-1 infuser and double-wall glass insulation. The ChaBottle is made from eco-friendly materials like borosilicate glass and bamboo.

For more information on The Sistahood and their products, visit their website. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on special deals, dates, and other important announcements.

Albany Creek in First Vaccine Rollout for Queensland

Albany Creek has been included among the first 41 locations in Queensland that will carry out Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine program commencing on the week of 21 February 2021.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt announced the start of the rollout of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, with priority for aged and disability care residents, as well as the facility workers.

There are over 240 aged and disability care facilities across the country and the Federal Government expects to vaccinate all residents and care workers in the next six weeks.

Mr Hunt confirmed that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines have arrived following approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Supplies of AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccines, on the other hand, are expected to be in Australia by March.

“These are two outstanding vaccines that will be available to people in Australia free of charge,” Mr Hunt said.

“The vaccination program will save and protect lives. Both of our vaccines will prevent serious illness. That is our primary goal.”

Along with the initial rollout, Queensland will activate three vaccine hubs at the Gold Coast University Hospital, Cairns Hospital and the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Woolloongabba.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said that 100 vaccines will be given to Gold Coast by Monday, 22 Feb 2021, whilst Princess Alexandra Hospital will receive the vaccines on Wednesday and Cairns will get the vials on Friday.

Ms Palaszczuk also said that rollout will start slowly and individuals will be asked to go to their specific centres. As the next supplies arrive, the hubs will be expanded.

The COVID vaccine will start to roll out in Queensland from next week.

Here’s how it will work 👇 pic.twitter.com/Nkbh4OVG1t
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) February 17, 2021

Meanwhile, border, quarantine and frontline healthcare workers are also part of the first rollout. Health Department head Brendan Murphy said that the vaccination program is expected to be the “single-biggest, and most complex, vaccination task” with many players involved.

Check the full list of vaccination locations for the first rollout via the Department of Health.

Albany Creek Skate Park New Design Needs Your Feedback

The Albany Creek skate park on Old Northern Road, along with the skate parks in Morayfield and Deception Bay, are getting a major redesign.

In line with this development, Moreton Bay Council has opened a feedback page where residents could share their inputs before work on these outdoor community facilities could proceed.

Mayor Peter Flannery said that $3.8 million has been set aside for this project under the Council’s Park and Sporting Facilities. He hopes that many skaters, BMX riders and scooters will share their ideas and comments about the designs since they will be using and enjoying the facilities the most.

Albany Creek Skate Park — Photo Credit: Brennan Gergory Hatton/Google Maps

Mr Flannery said that the range of designs for all three parks was based on 400 survey responses Council received during the initial consultation process in 2020.

The community told Council that they want a family-friendly skate park, with “adequate lighting and shade” and challenging obstacles for the skaters, scooters and riders to improve their skills.

The mayor also said that skate parks in North Lakes, Caboolture, Bray Park and Redcliffe will be up for consultation as well whilst these initial projects are underway.

The Council will need your say about the Albany Creek skate park design until Friday, 26 Feb 2021.

White Horse Ranch: VEND Marketplace Owners Open New Cafe in Albany Creek

Brisbane northside locals will soon have a new watering hole in Albany Creek when the cafe, White Horse Ranch, starts serving customers from breakfast to dinner.

Found at the corner of Ferguson Street, the location of White Horse Ranch is a familiar foodie spot. It was once the home of the burger joint Fritzenberger and The Coffee Club from years ago.

Now the cafe owners, Amy Hinschen and Kyle Steel, hope that their new venture will become an amazing place for families and friends to meet up, catch up, dine and hang around with their dogs.

The partners chose the name White Horse Ranch because it reflects the “feel and style” they’ve wanted for their cafe with its white beams, gorgeous indoor landscape mural and large outdoor space bringing all that laidback vibe.

“It’s great to finally see something a little unique and different from the usual cafes on offer around the area,” a local said. “Well done guys for understanding what we’ve been missing out here in the Northern suburbs! Looking forward to a lovely change of scenery from the home office!”

The cafe also has a function area and homeware section for merchandise that will be regularly curated by the pair. They are also behind Vend, the Virginia warehouse for small businesses with fantastic artisanal finds, including heaps of indoor plants.

Amy and Kyle plan to open White Horse Ranch in late January, which will provide 10 new jobs for locals. The menu hasn’t been unveiled but the partners promised there will be vegan options.

For updates on its opening day and other cafe deals, follow their Facebook page.

Albany Creek Community Centre Makeover to Finish by April

Upgrades are now underway at the Albany Creek Community Centre to improve and increase the facility’s usefulness, and work on the site is expected to finish in early April.

Mayor Peter Flannery said that he is expecting to unveil the “new and improved” centre by Easter “with greater functionality, accessibility and appeal to encourage more people to use this new facility.”

The Albany Creek Community Centre overhaul will include the addition of a kitchenette that will allow the community to cook and prepare meals for their events. The State Government allocated $210,000 for this half a million project that will provide more businesses and jobs necessary for COVID-19 economic recovery.

“Through the COVID Works for Queensland funding, we’re able to fast-track essential infrastructure upgrades, like the Albany Creek Community Centre, which is used and loved by many in the local community,” Member for Pine Rivers Nikki Boyd said. “This program is specifically designed to help Moreton Bay Regional Council get their communities back on their feet as quickly as possible during the coronavirus pandemic.

“While there’s no doubt Queenslanders are resilient, I know this project will create local jobs to support local families put dinner on the table each night.”

Some 10 different groups use the centre on a weekly basis for activities like dance, yoga, martial arts, fitness and enrichment classes. The venue is also hired for parties, training, meetings and other functions.

“This project has been guided by feedback from residents, the centre managers and local community groups that have used the facility in the past, to give the tired, cramped centre a much-needed makeover,” Councillor Cath Tonks said.

“I couldn’t be more excited by this announcement – I’m proud to be part of a Council that acts on the concerns of its residents and I want to recognise the efforts of those who advocated for this upgrade.”

Kimini Constructions in Brendale won the tender for this project.

The Café for The Common Good in Albany Creek Wins Outstanding Social Enterprise

Have you walked by The Café for The Common Good inside Albany Creek Central after you’ve done your grocery shopping? Did you know that this cafe is a social enterprise that helps fund medical researches at a few hospitals around Brisbane?

For their work in “maximising every donor dollar,” The Café for The Common Good won the ISPT Award for Outstanding Social Enterprise in the 2020 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards.

The cafe serves barista-made Merlo coffee, Lick ice cream and light meals or snacks to take home. Open daily as early as 7 a.m., the small eatery is near the shopping centre’s Woolworths outlet. Most of the cafe’s profits, after operating and administration costs, go into life-saving medical research.

“Last year our cafes collectively did some $800,000 which we turned into nearly $5.2million in medical research,” The Common Good Retail Manager Bryce Liyanage said. “Right here in Brisbane, we have 120 researchers, scientists and biomedical engineers tackling problems like COVID in an ICU setting, and a horrific disease called silicosis that’s affecting our tradies. And we’re so proud of the teams we’re backing – one coffee at a time.”

The Café for The Common Good has three sites within The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside, and one outlet each the Caboolture Hospital and the Kedron Emergency Services Complex.

The store at Albany Creek Central is the first location outside of the hospital environment. The cafe also provides catering services.

“The Common Good sets itself apart from other charities with our social enterprise model,” Mr Liyanage said. “The profits earned from our cafes cover our operating and administration costs, so that all funds raised go exactly where donors expect them to – into our life-saving medical research.”

“It’s a real honour to receive this award amongst such deserving finalists. We’re really grateful to Site8 at Albany Creek Central who have provided the site, and our suppliers particularly Merlo, who have been so generous.”

Currently, the cafe is supporting researches on COVID-19, heart disease, dementia and silicosis.

Fritzenberger Albany Creek Launches Its Mushroom Kiev Burger

Burger lovers and foodies have a new staple to try at Fritzenberger Albany Creek beginning the 14th of Oct 2020 as the store launches its Mushroom Kiev Burger.

A catering staple in Soviet cities in the ’90s, the Kiev burger’s cornerstone is its garlic butter flavouring. Fritzenberger Albany Creek‘s Mushroom Kiev Burger is prepared with house-made garlic and parsley butter, which enhances the taste of the grass-fed beef patty covered in panko crumbs.

Completing this ensemble are the burger’s Swiss cheese-filled portobello mushroom, American mustard and aioli.

Burgers are best enjoyed with beer and Fritzenberger brews small batches of unique-tasting drinks for your drinking pleasure. Occasionally, the store offers limited editions from international breweries. So, before you head to the store, you can check what’s on the tap in real-time up via their website.

Fritzenberger recently celebrated its one year anniversary at the corner of Albany Creek Road and Ferguson Street. The restaurant reopened in July after 129 days of lockdown due to the pandemic.

Fritzenberger Albany Creek Set to Reopen After COVID-19 Closure

Fritzenberger Albany Creek’s temporary closure is soon to be over as it is slated to reopen on 29 July 2020. This, following a 129-day closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most of the restaurants, pubs, and clubs in Australia were forced to close after the government issued its highest level of restrictions on the 23rd of March 2020.

Fritzenberger, which only opened in November 2019, was among the venues that had to close its doors temporarily because of the stricter health safety rules to defend against the coronavirus disease.

From 29 July, however, the burger and beer place will reboot to welcome dine-in and takeaway customers. The Albany Creek venue will be following COVID health safety guidelines from the government.

“It’s great to get our doors back open to the supportive Albany Creek community, and to welcome our staff back after the Government restrictions closed our venue back in March,” says General Manager Andrew Jeffreys.

Currently, the other Fritzenberger venues at Petrie Terrace and Wilston are open for dine-in, takeaway, and delivery. Another Fritzenberger is also set to open in South Bank.

On its reopening, Fritzenberger Albany Creek will operate from Wednesday to Sunday, from 12:00 noon up to 8:00 p.m.

Those opting to dine in are encouraged to make a booking online at Fritzenberger.com.

Address: Cnr Ferguson Street and Albany Creek Road, Albany Creek